Coronavirus & Museums

The very positive news is that most museums and local attractions have now re-opened – and it is the perfect time to visit whilst visitor numbers are much lower than usual. Although each destination has interpreted ‘best-practice’ slightly differently, the principles tend to be consistent, and the procedures and opening times will continue to evolve as each venue adapts to the changing protocols and etiquette to ensure that the visitor experience is enhanced at every opportunity.

The vast majority of museums now require advance booking due to carefully limited capacities. If you have a particular request to visit a specific museum, building or exhibition, it is essential to plan ahead, and we would be delighted to help reserve tickets in advance on your behalf. Please liaise with your Kirker consultant or the Kirker Concierge at the time of booking (or approximately 4 weeks prior to your departure), so that we can take the necessary steps to pre-book timed entrance and/or private guides as required (the earlier you let us know the more likely we will be able to secure your preferred time slot). Please note that, whilst we shall do our utmost to keep you updated if opening hours or entrance restrictions change, we are not able to guarantee that the local authorities or museum managers won’t make adjustments – but we do promise to make sure that we keep you informed if we learn of a change, and we will always be able to answer any queries as soon as you draw them to our attention.

Some useful points to bear in mind to help Kirker clients make the most of a museum visit:

· Always arrive in good time. Although all venues are doing their utmost to be as flexible and welcoming as possible, if you miss your time slot museums may not allow you in later.

· Some museums have requested that you factor in time, prior to your entrance slot, for extra security or temperature checks on arrival

· Try not to take bags or coats – cloakroom facilities are either very limited or not available

· Please follow social distancing guidance – these are displayed clearly and can vary between 1m and 2m depending on the museum

· Always take a facemask or two – many venues (and public transport services) ask their visitors to wear masks

· Be prepared to offer your mobile number or other contact details as some destinations use this to help in the event of contact tracing

Don’t forget, although we do need to bear these additional factors in mind at the moment, visitors are currently rewarded with a greatly enhanced and more peaceful experience.